Expandable water filter reservoir

ABSTRACT

An expandable water filtering pitcher having a pitcher with a top portion, a base portion and an inner wall surface defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a spout at the top portion at a pitcher opening, a handle attached to an exterior of the pitcher, a filter adapter mounted within the pitcher top portion. The filter adapter is within a reservoir comprising an opening therethrough from the top portion to the base portion of the pitcher and a reservoir sleeve movably coupled to the reservoir and top portion, at least one of the reservoir and the reservoir sleeve moveable in relation to the other between a retracted position defining a first reservoir volume within the reservoir and reservoir sleeve, and an expanded position defining a second reservoir volume within the reservoir and reservoir sleeve at least 40% larger than the first reservoir volume.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of earlier U.S. application Ser. No.15/792,662 entitled “Expandable Water filter Resevoir” to Marcus Shoteyet al., which was filed Oct. 24, 2017, now pending, which application isa continuation of earlier U.S. application Ser. No. 15/202,365 entitled“Expandable Water filter Resevoir” to Marcus Shotey et al., which wasfiled Jul. 5, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,796,599, whichapplication is a continuation of earlier U.S. application Ser. No.13/899,992 entitled “Expandable Water Filter Reservoir” to Marcus Shoteyet al., which was filed on May 22, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,382,131, which application claims the benefit of the filing date ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/651,963 entitled “ExpandableWater Filter Reservoir” to Marcus Shotey, which was filed on May 25,2012, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

Aspects of this document relate generally to water filtration pitchers.

2. Background Art

Pitchers with an attachable water filter are frequently used byconsumers who wish to purify tap water before drinking or use. Typicalfilters couple to a reservoir which sits within the water pitcher. Thesereservoirs, however, are usually relatively small compared to the amountof space available within pitcher for carrying purified water. If,however, reservoir is enlarged to increase the water capacity of thereservoir, the size of the filtered water space decreases. Without it,however, it requires multiple fills of the reservoir to fill the volumeof the filtered water space.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an expandable water-filteringpitcher comprising a pitcher having a top portion, a base portion and aninner wall surface defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a spoutat the top portion at a pitcher opening, a reservoir mounted within thepitcher, the reservoir comprising a filter adapter comprising areservoir opening therethrough, a filter fastener at the reservoiropening, the filter fastener adapted to removably receive a waterfilter, and a reservoir sleeve movably coupled to the filter adapter, atleast one of the filter adapter and the reservoir sleeve moveable inrelation to the other between a retracted position defining a firstreservoir volume within the filter adapter and reservoir sleeve, and anexpanded position defining a second reservoir volume within the filteradapter and reservoir sleeve at least 40% larger than the firstreservoir volume.

Particular embodiments of the disclosure may comprise one or more of thefollowing features. A plurality of first incremented liquid volumemeasurement markings visible on a wall of the pitcher base portion, anda handle coupled to an exterior of the pitcher. A second plurality ofincremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of thereservoir sleeve, the second incremented liquid volume measurementmarkings visible on the wall of the reservoir sleeve incremented involume measurements equal to the plurality of incremented liquid volumemeasurement markings visible on the pitcher base portion. The reservoirmay be detachable from the pitcher. The handle may comprise a notch onan inner surface of the handle at a top portion of the handle adjacentto where the handle meets the wall of the pitcher. A top of thereservoir sleeve may be positioned above the pitcher opening when thereservoir sleeve is in the expanded position. The top of the reservoirsleeve may be at or near a plane formed at a top edge of the pitcherwhen in the retracted position. The reservoir sleeve may comprise aflexible bag. The reservoir sleeve may comprise a pleated collapsiblewall. A plurality of bias members positioned between the reservoirsleeve and the filter adapter, wherein the bias members are morecompressed when the reservoir sleeve is in the expanded position and thebias members are less compressed when the reservoir sleeve is in theretracted position. A filter replacement display coupled to the pitcher,the replacement display responsive to a counting device operativelyassociated with the spout of the pitcher and counting movement of thespout on the pitcher. The counting device may be configured to count thenumber of pours of liquid from the pitcher and the filter replacementdisplay is configured to indicate when an approximated threshold forexpiration of the filter is reached based on an approximated volume ofwater poured through the spout.

An aspect of the disclosure relates to an expandable water filtrationdevice comprising a filter adapter positioned within a pitcher andseparating the pitcher into an upper region and a lower region, areservoir opening between the lower region and the upper region formedthrough the filter adapter, a filter fastener at the reservoir opening,the filter fastener adapted to removably receive a water filter withinthe reservoir opening, a sleeve movably coupled to the upper region, thesleeve moveable in relation to the upper region between a retractedposition and an expanded position, an upper volume defined by theavailable space in the upper region of the pitcher and the sleeve, theupper volume when the sleeve is in the expanded version being at least40% larger than the upper volume when the sleeve is in the retractedposition, and a base volume defined by the available space in the baseregion of the pitcher when the sleeve is in the retracted position.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The lower region may further comprise a plurality of firstincremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of thelower region. A second plurality of incremented liquid volumemeasurement markings visible on a wall of the sleeve, the secondincremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on the wall ofthe sleeve incremented in volume measurements equal to the plurality offirst incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wallof the lower region. A top of the sleeve may be positioned above thepitcher opening when the sleeve is in the expanded position. The sleevemay comprise a flexible bag. The sleeve may comprise a pleatedcollapsible wall. A plurality of bias members positioned between thesleeve and the upper region, wherein the bias members are morecompressed when the sleeve is in the expanded position and the biasmembers are less compressed when the sleeve is in the retractedposition.

An aspect of the disclosure relates to an expandable water-filteringpitcher comprising a pitcher comprising a closed base end, one or moresidewalls extending from the closed base end towards an open top end,and a spout extending from the open top end toward the base end, anexpandable reservoir removably coupled to the pitcher, the expandablereservoir comprising a reservoir opening, one or more filter fastenersadjacent the reservoir opening and configured to removably couple awater filter to the expandable reservoir, and a flexible material thatexpands the reservoir into the pitcher when water is held within theexpandable reservoir and retracts as water passes from the expandablereservoir to the pitcher through the reservoir opening.

Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specificallynoted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specificationand the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fullyaware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. Theinventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only theplain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claimsunless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly setforth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differsfrom the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements ofintent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent anddesire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms beapplied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described inconjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denotelike elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a side view of first embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first embodiment of anexpandable water-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of anexpandable water-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of anexpandable water-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of anexpandable water-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 8 is cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher with the filter adapter in a retracted position;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher with the filter adapter in an expanded position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher with an expandable reservoir in a retractedposition; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher with an expandable reservoir in an expandedposition.

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Manyadditional components and assembly procedures known in the artconsistent with the intended operation and assembly procedures for anelectrical box will become apparent for use with implementations of anelectrical box from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, althoughparticular components are disclosed, such components and otherimplementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type,model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/orthe like as is known in the art for such implementing components,consistent with the intended operation of an electrical box.

Filtering water with a water filter mounted within a pitcher provides aconvenient filtering method for users. However, users of a conventionalpitcher mounted water filter are limited by the amount of space withinthe pitcher for unfiltered and filtered water. Embodiments of anexpandable water filter contemplated and disclosed herein areadvantageous to conventional pitcher mounted water filters. Whereasconventional pitcher mounted water filters are limited to the capacityof the pitcher itself, embodiments of an expandable water filteringpitcher disclosed herein provide additional water capacity beyond thepitcher—thus requiring fewer refills relative to the volume of thepitcher.

As shown in an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, one ormore embodiments of an expandable water-filtering pitcher comprise apitcher 2 and a reservoir 30. The pitcher typically comprises a topportion 4 comprising an opening extending therethrough and a baseportion 6 comprising a closed base wall opposite the opening of the topportion 4. Although reference is made to a top portion 4 and a baseportion 6, these portions are not limited to a top or base portion, asother positioning is contemplated, such as but not limited to upper andlower regions, or merely first and second portions posited anywhere onthe pitcher 2. The pitcher 2 further comprises an inner wall surface 8defining an internal volume of the pitcher 2. The internal volume istypically divided into a lower internal volume 10 in the base portion ofthe pitcher 2 and an upper internal volume 11 in the top portion 4 ofthe pitcher 2. Unless otherwise specified herein, the pitcher 2 maycomprise any shape or configuration known in the art.

One or more embodiments of a pitcher 2 further comprise a handle 18 onan exterior 24 of the pitcher 2. The handle 18 may comprise any handleknown in the art or otherwise suitable for holding the pitcher 2. Inparticular embodiments, the handle 18 comprises a notch 20 on an innersurface 22. The notch 20 provides additional grip and/or support for auser to pouring or handling of the pitcher 2. The pitcher 2 typicallyalso comprises a spout 12 that allows liquid to be poured from thepitcher 2 without removal of the reservoir 30. In one or moreembodiments, the spout 12 comprises a channel that allows fluidcommunication between the internal volume 10 of the pitcher 2 below thereservoir 30 and a pitcher opening 16 at the top plane 14 of the pitcher2. The channel may extend from the bottom of the pitcher 2, oralternatively may begin anyway between the top portion 4 and the baseportion 6 that allows for the fluid communication described herein.

Although not visible in FIG. 1, one or more embodiments of an expandablewater-filtering pitcher comprise a reservoir 30 mounted with the pitcher2 (see, for example, FIG. 2). The reservoir 30 is typically mountedwithin the top portion 4 of the pitcher 2 to allow for sufficient volumeof filtered water. In various adaptations, however, the reservoir 30 maybe mounted anywhere within the pitcher 2. One or more embodiments of areservoir 30 comprise a filter adapter 32 and a reservoir sleeve 40.Particular embodiments of the filter adapter 32 comprise a reservoiropening 34 or passage extending therethrough such that when no waterfilter 38 is present, the top portion 4 and base portion 6 of thepitcher 2 are in fluid communication with each other through thereservoir opening 34. In other words, the internal volume 10 of thepitcher above the filter adapter 32 is separated from the internalvolume 10 of the pitcher 2 below the filter adapter 32 by the reservoir30 itself, with the exception of the reservoir opening 34 that extendsthrough the filter adapter 32. As shall be explained subsequently inadditional detail, liquid within the filter adapter 32 is transferred tothe base portion 6 of the pitcher through the reservoir opening 34, buttypically only through a water filter 38 placed within the reservoiropening 34.

In one or more embodiments, the filter adapter 32 comprises at least abase wall 15 through which the reservoir extends. In embodiments whereinthe filter adapter 32 comprises only a base wall 15, the base wall 15 ofthe filter adapter 32 is mounted within the pitcher 2 such that the onlyfluid communication from the top portion 4 of the pitcher 2 to thebottom portion 6 of the pitcher is through the reservoir opening 34. Inalternative embodiments, the filter adapter 32 further comprises one ormore sidewalls 17 coupled to the base wall of the filter adapter 32. Thesidewalls 17 further assist in allowing fluid communication only throughthe reservoir opening 34. In particular embodiments, the sidewalls 17 ofthe reservoir are shaped complementary to the top portion 4 of thepitcher 2 such that the filter adapter 32 nests within at least aportion of the top portion 4 of the pitcher.

As illustrated in the filter adapter 32, 132 embodiments shown in FIGS.2-4, 6, 8 and 9, the base wall 15 of various reservoir embodimentscomprise a sloped base wall 15. The slope of the base wall 15 istypically sloped towards the reservoir opening 34 to allow liquid withinthe reservoir to most effectively flow towards and through the waterfilter 38 as the force of gravity pulls the water downward. In variousfilter adapter 32, 132 embodiments comprising both a base wall 15 andone or more sidewalls 17, the base wall 15 and sidewalls 17 may beintegrally formed or molded together.

In one or more embodiments, the filter adapter 32 further comprises oneor more filter fasteners 36, 136 proximate the reservoir opening 34.Various exemplary embodiments of filter fasteners 36, 136 are shown inFIGS. 2-4, 6, 8 and 9. The filter fastener 36, 136 is adapted toremovably receive a water filter 38. As such, the filter fastener 36,136 may comprise any of a variety of fasteners known in the art, such asbut not limited to threaded fasteners, clamp fasteners, and the like. Inparticular embodiments, the filter fastener 36, 136 comprises a lip orany other feature that narrows the reservoir opening 34. For example, inan embodiment wherein the filter fastener 36, 136 comprises a lip, thelip may be sized to allow only a portion of the water filter 38 to passthrough the reservoir opening 34 while preventing the entirety of thewater filter 38 to pass through the reservoir opening 34. The waterfilter 38 may comprise a lip that abuts the lip of the filter fastener36, 136 to prevent passage of the water filter 38 through the reservoiropening 34.

In one or more embodiments, the filter adapter 32 is coupled to apitcher 2. Typically, the coupling of a filter adapter 32 to a pitcher 2is of a removable nature, thus allowing a user to freely remove thefilter adapter 32 from the pitcher 2 for cleaning or other purposes. Inparticular embodiments, as shown by the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the pitcher 2 narrows from the top portion 4to the base portion 6. With such a configuration, the size of filteradapter 32 relative to the narrowing pitcher 2 prevents the filteradapter 32 from sliding past a desired point within the pitcher 2. Insuch an embodiment, the filter adapter 32 may comprise a uniformlatitudinal dimension, rather than the narrowing dimension of thepitcher 2. This configuration allows water to be transferred or pouredfrom the base portion 6 of the pitcher 2 out of the spout 12 of thepitcher 2. In still other embodiments, the filter adapter 32 maycomprise a narrowing dimension, with a channel aligned with the spout 12for transferring or pouring water out of the pitcher 2. Otherconfigurations of the filter adapter 32 and pitcher 2 are designed suchthat the filter adapter 32 fits within the pitcher 2 in only onealignment or position.

Referring to FIG. 1, in any of the particular embodiments of a pitcher 2disclosed herein, whether illustrated in a drawing representing theparticular embodiment or not, the pitcher 2 may comprise incrementalmeasurement markings 54 visible from outside the pitcher 2 or throughthe top opening of the pitcher 2. Such incremental measurement markings54 may depict how much water remains in the pitcher 2, how much water isnecessary to fill the pitcher to capacity, or both. In particularembodiments, the incremental measurement markings 54 are on an exteriorsurface 24 of the pitcher 2. In other embodiments, the incrementalmeasurement markings 54 are on an inner wall surface 8 of the pitcher 2.Some embodiments include both so that a user can fill the pitcherreservoir to a pre-selected number of markings 56 with knowledge thatthat many markings 54 worth of space is available in the pitcher 2. Themarkings 56 on the inside of the reservoir 40 may be spaced tocorrespond to a volume of water equal to the spacings of the markings 54on the base portion 6 of the pitcher 2.

In an embodiment, the pitcher 2 comprises a lip 19, channel, or otherprotrusion extending from the inner wall surface 8 of the pitcher 2configured to mount the filter adapter 32 within the pitcher 2. In stillother embodiments, the filter adapter 32 comprises one or more fastenersconfigured and positioned to allow the filter adapter 32 extending froman inside surface or adapted to hang from the top 14 of the pitcher 2.

According to various embodiments, a reservoir 30 further comprises areservoir sleeve 40 that is slidably mounted to the filter adapter 32.Embodiments of the reservoir sleeve 40 may be configured to slideadjacent to the walls of the pitcher 2, between one or more sidewalls 17of the filter adapter 32 and walls of the pitcher 2, or within one ormore sidewalls of the filter adapter 32. For example, in an embodimentwherein the filter adapter 32 comprises only a base wall 15 and nosidewall 17, the reservoir sleeve 40 is configured to slide at leastpartially adjacent to the walls of the pitcher 2. In embodiments whereinthe filter adapter 32 comprises sidewalls 17 in addition to the basewall 15, the reservoir sleeve 40 may be configured to either fit aroundthe sidewalls 17 of the filter adapter 32 (and thus slidable between thesidewalls of the filter adapter 32 and the sides of the pitcher 2) orfit within the sidewalls 17 of the filter adapter 32. In still otherembodiments, the filter adapter 32 may comprise an interior sidewall andan exterior sidewall, and a ring-like channel 21 positioned between theinterior and exterior sidewalls. The ring-like channel 21 is sized toallow for slidable movement of the reservoir sleeve 40 between theinterior and exterior sidewalls and may extend from the base wall 15 tothe ends of the sidewalls 17 opposite the base wall 15. Alternatively,the ring-like channel make extend only partially between the base wall15 and the ends of the sidewall 17 opposite the base wall 15 or evenextend below the base wall 15, as shown n FIG. 3. In the exemplaryembodiments shown in FIGS. 2-3, the reservoir sleeve 40 fits withinsidewalls 17 of the filter adapter 32. In any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, an upper volume 11 defined by the available space inthe top portion 4 of the pitcher 2 and the sleeve 40 is at least 40%larger when in the expanded position than the upper volume 11 when thesleeve 40 is in the retracted position.

In other embodiments, the reservoir sleeve 40 may be configured to fitaround the sidewalls 17 of the filter adapter 32. In such embodiments,the reservoir sleeve 40 may comprise walls shaped or otherwiseconfigured similar to the sidewalls 17 of the filter adapter 32, onlyrelatively larger. This allows the reservoir sleeve 40 to stay in placeabout the filter adapter 32 as it slides from an expanded position to aretracted position. In a particular implementation wherein the sidewalls17 of the filter adapter 32 are substantially vertical and not narrowing(as the pitcher narrows), the reservoir sleeve 40 further comprisesstabilizing elements. The stabilizing elements are configured stabilizethe reservoir sleeve 40 and/or the filter adapter 32 by adding a supportin the space left void between the exterior of the filter adapter 32 andthe walls of the pitcher 2. In one or more embodiments, the stabilizingelements are substantially triangular or wedge shaped. In otherimplementations, the stabilizing elements may comprise any shape. Insome implementations, the reservoir sleeve 40 further comprises achannel configured to align with the spout 12 of the pitcher 2, thechannel so configured to allow water to be poured from the pitcher 2through the spout 12 even as the reservoir sleeve 40 is in a retractedposition.

In various embodiments, a seal may be placed between the filter adapter32 and the reservoir sleeve 40 to prevent water from leaking out of thefilter adapter 32 into the base portion 6 of the pitcher 2. The seal maycomprise any seal suitable for sealing the area between the reservoirsleeve 40 and the filter adapter 32, such as but not limited to areplaceable O-ring seal 13, a wiper seal, or an over-molded rubber seal.Also shown in FIG. 2 is a plurality of incremental volume measurements56 on the reservoir sleeve 40. The incremental volume measurements 56 onthe reservoir sleeve 40, like those on the pitcher 2, allow a user tomeasure the volume of water within the filter adapter 32. Adjacent theincremental volume measurements 56 are contemplated as various numericvolume measurements. By including incremental volume measurements 54,56, a user may first determine the volume of water necessary in thepitcher 2 for the base portion 6 of the pitcher 2 to be full. The usermay then fill the reservoir 30 to a volume similar or equal to thevolume needed to fill the pitcher 2 to a desired level, such as full,but not overfill it. A user, however, is not limited to filling thereservoir 30 with only the volume of water required to fill the pitcher2. For example, a user may include more water in the reservoir 30 thanis necessary to fill the bottom portion 6. When the bottom portion 6 isfull, the excess water may remain in the reservoir 30 until additionalvolume is available in the bottom portion 6 and will naturally filterthere on its own.

The interaction between the filter adapter 32 and the reservoir sleeve40 allows for an expandable water reservoir 30 to be created. Thisincreases the efficiency of the pitcher unit by providing a reservoir 30that holds as much or substantially as much filtered water as the bottomportion 6 may hold. As water is filtered through the filter 38, thereservoir sleeve 40 may gradually be lowered as well, or mayalternatively be lowered from an expanded position to a collapsedposition when the water line is below the top 14 of the pitcher 2. Inparticular embodiments, the reservoir 30 or components thereof areremovable when filled with water to allow a user to easily empty anoverfilled reservoir without disturbing the filtered water in thepitcher 2.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, views of a pitcher 202 with a reservoirsleeve 40 of the reservoir 30 are shown in a retracted or collapsedposition. When in a retracted position, the reservoir sleeve 40 is at ornear the plane formed at the top 14 of the pitcher 202. In otherembodiments, the reservoir sleeve 40 may drop below the plane of the top14 of the pitcher 202 when in a retracted position.

When in a retracted position, the reservoir sleeve 40 may rest in aring-like channel 21 adjacent the base wall 15 of the filter adapter 32or on some other support extending from a wall of the filter adapter 32or pitcher 2, 202. The reservoir sleeve 40 may further comprise a lip atthe top that rests on the top 14 of the pitcher 2, 202 or a ledge formedon an interior wall of the pitcher 2, 202. The embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11 also comprises a filter replacement display 68 thatindicates how long the water filter 38 has been in use or when thefilter needs to be replaced. The filter replacement display 68 istypically housed in the lid 70, but may alternatively be mounted to awall of the pitcher 202 or on the water filter 38 itself. In one or moreembodiments, the lid 70 comprises a flapper hingedly coupled to the lid70 that covers the spout 12 of the pitcher 2, 202. The flapper maycomprise a counting device that counts the number of times water hasbeen poured out of the pitcher 2, 202. At a certain predetermined timesor intervals, the counting device may signal that the water filter 38should be changed. In some aspects, the counting device may furthermeasure how long the flapper is open and/or the amount of water flow outof the spout, thus providing a more accurate measure of the among ofwater being dispensed from the pitcher 2, 202.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1, 10, and 11, a pitcher 2, 202 with anexpandable reservoir 30 may further work in conjunction with a lid 70.The lid 70 typically fits over the top 14 of the pitcher 2, 202 andreservoir 30 when the reservoir sleeve 40 is in a retracted position. Insome implementations, however, the lid 70 is adapted to fit over thereservoir sleeve 40 even when the reservoir sleeve 40 is in an expandedposition. In still other implementations, a separate lid may beconfigured to cover just the sleeve 40, while the typical lid 70 coversthe pitcher 2, 202, sleeve 40, and filter adapter 32.

In one or more embodiments, the reservoir sleeve comprises a collapsiblereservoir sleeve. For example, the reservoir sleeve may comprise anaccordion-like pleated collapsible sleeve 60, a non-limiting example ofwhich is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The pleated collapsible sleeve 60is configured to repeatedly stretch to an expanded position and collapseto a retracted position. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the pleated collapsiblesleeve 60 is shown in at least a partially expanded position. Thepleated collapsible sleeve 60 may be coupled proximate the top 14 of thepitcher 2 or filter adapter 32, or may alternatively be slidably mountedto the filter adapter filter adapter 32 as the previously describedreservoir sleeve 40 is slidably mounted. When water is placed within thepleated collapsible sleeve 60, the existence of the water and outwardpressure of the water against the pleated collapsible sleeve 60maintains the sleeve in an open position by straightening the pleats dueto the weight of the water. As the water flows through the water filterinto the base portion 6, the weight of the water reduces, allowing thecollapsible sleeve 60 to regain its original shape and collapse.

In other embodiments, reservoir sleeve comprises a flexible bag 58, anexample of which is shown in FIG. 6. Like the pleated collapsible sleeve60, the flexible bag 58 is configured to repeatedly open to an expandedposition and collapse to a retracted position. In FIG. 6, the flexiblebag 58 is shown in a partially expanded position. The flexible bag 58may be coupled proximate the top 14 of the pitcher 2 or filter adapter32, or may alternatively be slidably mounted to the filter adapter 32 asthe previously described reservoir sleeve 40 is slidably mounted.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an expandablereservoir 90. Like embodiments previously described, the reservoir 90 iscoupled to a pitcher 302 comprising a base portion 306 and a top portion304. The reservoir 90, however, expands down into the base portion 306of the pitcher rather than upward from the pitcher top. The expandablereservoir 90 expands to an expanded position (shown in FIG. 13) whenwater is placed into the expandable reservoir 90 due to the weight ofthe water. As water filters through the water filter 38 and the weightor pressure on the expandable reservoir 90 decreases, the expandablereservoir 90, due to the elasticity of the material forming theexpandable reservoir 90, is configured to retract to the retractedposition (shown in FIG. 12).

The expandable reservoir 90 is typically comprised of a one or materialsthat allow the expandable reservoir 90 to expand when water is added tothe expandable reservoir and retract when water is eliminated from theexpandable reservoir 90. For example, the expandable reservoir may beformed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other likematerials; polymers and/or other like materials; plastics, and/or otherlike materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals and/orother like materials; alloys and/or other like materials; and/or anycombination of the foregoing. In a particular embodiment, the expandablereservoir 90 comprises a membrane comprising one or more of thefollowing: elastic, silicone rubber, or thermoplastic polyolefinelastomer. As shown in FIG. 12, the expandable reservoir 90 comprisesone or more pleats 82 molded into the expandable reservoir 90. Thepleats 82 are positioned and configured to assist in holding the formand/or shape of the expandable reservoir when in the retracted or emptyposition.

The water filter 38 used in combination with the expandable reservoir 90may comprise a typical water filter 38 or a water filter 38 designedespecially for the expandable reservoir 90. For example, the waterfilter 38 may be designed, in combination with the filter adapter 80, torest at an angular or horizontal position, rather than the typicalvertical position (shown in FIGS. 2-4). As such, configuration of thewater filter 38 may be altered to allow for efficient filtering when thewater filter 38 is not positioned vertically. The water filter 38, likewith previous embodiments, engages with the filter adapter 80 at thebottom of the reservoir 90. Those of ordinary skill in the art willreadily understand how to configure an engagement mechanism to engagethe water filter 38 at an angle rather than vertically, given thedisclosure herein of an angled or horizontal filter engaged with thefilter adapter 80. The filter adapter 80 may comprise the sameexpandable materials as the reservoir 90 or, alternatively may comprisea harder plastic or rigid material that supports the water filter 38 atthe desired angle. The filter adapter 80 may comprise a water filterreceiver 308 in which the water filter 38 sits and couples to the filteradapter 80. In particular embodiments, the water filter receiver 308comprises a snap-receiver to hold the water filter 38 through mechanicalengagement. In other embodiments, like the previous embodiments, aportion of the external surface of the water filter 38 is threaded orcomprises bayonets to engage with a mating structure on the filteradapter 80.

Also contemplated herein is an expandable water pitcher that comprisesone or more biasing members 66, a non-limiting example of which isillustrated in FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of anexemplary embodiment, which comprises a pitcher 102 comprising a baseportion 106 and a top portion 104, and a reservoir 130. A water filter38 may also be included before or after assembly. The pitcher 102 shownin FIGS. 7-9 may comprise any pitcher previously described herein orotherwise known in the art. The reservoir 130 comprises a filter adapter132, a sleeve 140, and one or more biasing members 66. An o-ring 13 mayalso be included. One or more embodiments of the filter adapter 132comprise one or more guide channels 133 positioned to align with andguide the one or more biasing members 66. The pitcher 102 may comprise alip 139 that extends inward into the pitcher 102 and supports the sleeve140 when the sleeve 140 is within the pitcher 102.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show cross-sectional views of the pitcher 102 and filteradapter 136 with the reservoir sleeve 140 in an expanded position (FIG.9) and a collapsed position (FIG. 8). Whereas in some of the otherembodiments described herein the filter adapter 32 remains stationarywhile the sleeve 40 is slidable, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9,the sleeve 140 remains stationary while the filter adapter 132 moves toexpand the reservoir 130. FIG. 8 shows the filter adapter 132 in acollapsed position with minimal or no water in the reservoir 130. In thecollapsed position, the biasing members 66, positioned within the guidechannels 133, bias the filter adapter 132 upward or toward the top 14 ofthe pitcher 102. Each biasing member 66 is positioned between a sleevelip 131 and a filter adapter lip 129. In FIGS. 7-9, the biasing memberscomprise springs. In other embodiments, however, the biasing members maycomprise any biasing element known in the art and configured to bias thefilter adapter 132 upward.

FIG. 9 illustrates the filter adapter 132 in an expanded positiontypical of an at least partially full reservoir 130. As water is addedto the reservoir 130, the weight of the water overcomes biasing of thebiasing members 66, thus lowering the filter adapter 132 and exposingthe sleeve 140 so that the available volume of the reservoir 130 to holdwater is enlarged. As water is filtered through the filter 38, theweight on the filter adapter 132 is reduced and the biasing members biasthe filter adapter 132 towards the top 14 of the pitcher 102.

In other embodiments, no sleeve 140 is required in the reservoir 130.Rather, a lip is formed on an interior surface of the pitcher 102 thatreplaces the sleeve lip 131. In such an embodiment, each biasing memberis positioned between the filter adapter lip 129 and the pitcher lipwhich like the sleeve lip 131 extends inward of the pitcher wall, andthe reservoir functions similar to that previously described.

Unless otherwise specified, the water filter 38 may comprise anyreplaceable water filter 38 known in the art that allows water to passthrough the reservoirs described herein through the water filter 38 andinto the pitcher 2, 102, 202, 302. As the water filter 38 is typicallyconfigured for easy removal and replacement such as with a bayonet orlarge thread connector on the external surface of the filter and acorresponding, mating, connector on an internal surface of the openingof the adapter filter 136. The pitcher 2, 102, 202, 302 and filteradapters disclosed herein may be sold independently of the water filter38, and it is anticipated that water filter 38 replacements will be soldseparately.

It will be understood that implementations are not limited to thespecific components disclosed herein, as virtually any componentsconsistent with the intended operation of a method and/or systemimplementation for an expandable water filtering pitcher may beutilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular pitchers,filters, sleeves, and filter adapters may be disclosed, such componentsmay comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade,measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the likeconsistent with the intended operation of a method and/or systemimplementation for an expandable water filtering pitcher may be used.For example, any of the reservoirs and sleeves described herein maycomprise a variety of materials, such as but not limited to hard or softplastics, rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other likematerials; polymers and/or other like materials; plastics, and/or otherlike materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals and/orother like materials; alloys and/or other like materials; and/or anycombination of the foregoing.

The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specificimplementations shown herein. For example, many additional componentsand assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intendedexpandable water filtering pitcher and/or assembly procedures for anexpandable water filtering pitcher will become apparent for use withimplementations of an expandable water filtering pitcher from thisdisclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular pitchers,filters, filter adapters, and sleeves are disclosed, such pitchers,filters, filter adapters, and sleeves and implementing components maycomprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement,concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in theart for such water filtering pitchers and implementing components,consistent with the intended operation of a water filtering pitcher.

Furthermore, embodiments of the expandable water filtering pitcher maybe manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all ofthe components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joinedwith one another. Manufacture of these components separately orsimultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming,injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting,forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding,stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting,punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components aremanufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupledwith one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, afastener, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example,depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s)forming the components.

In places where the description above refers to particularimplementations of an expandable water filtering pitcher, it should bereadily apparent that a number of modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may beapplied to other an expandable water filtering pitcher. The accompanyingclaims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in this document. Thepresently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of thedisclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than theforegoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of andrange of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An expandable water-filtering pitchercomprising: a pitcher having a top portion, a base portion and an innerwall surface defining an internal volume of the pitcher; a spout at thetop portion at a pitcher opening; a reservoir mounted within thepitcher, the reservoir comprising: a filter adapter comprising areservoir opening therethrough; a filter fastener at the reservoiropening, the filter fastener adapted to removably receive a waterfilter; and a reservoir sleeve movably coupled to the filter adapter, atleast one of the filter adapter and the reservoir sleeve moveable inrelation to the other between a retracted position defining a firstreservoir volume within the filter adapter and reservoir sleeve, and anexpanded position defining a second reservoir volume within the filteradapter and reservoir sleeve at least 40% larger than the firstreservoir volume.
 2. The expandable water-filtering pitcher of claim 1further comprising: a plurality of first incremented liquid volumemeasurement markings visible on a wall of the pitcher base portion; anda handle coupled to an exterior of the pitcher.
 3. The expandablewater-filtering pitcher of claim 2, further comprising a secondplurality of incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on awall of the reservoir sleeve, the second incremented liquid volumemeasurement markings visible on the wall of the reservoir sleeveincremented in volume measurements equal to the plurality of incrementedliquid volume measurement markings visible on the pitcher base portion.4. The expandable water-filtering pitcher of claim 1 wherein thereservoir is detachable from the pitcher.
 5. The expandablewater-filtering pitcher of claim 2 wherein the handle comprises a notchon an inner surface of the handle at a top portion of the handleadjacent to where the handle meets the wall of the pitcher.
 6. Theexpandable water-filtering pitcher of claim 1 wherein a top of thereservoir sleeve is above the pitcher opening when the reservoir sleeveis in the expanded position.
 7. The expandable water-filtering pitcherof claim 1 wherein the top of the reservoir sleeve is at or near a planeformed at a top edge of the pitcher when in the retracted position. 8.The expandable water-filtering pitcher of claim 1 wherein the reservoirsleeve comprises a flexible bag.
 9. The expandable water-filteringpitcher of claim 1 wherein the reservoir sleeve comprises a pleatedcollapsible wall.
 10. The expandable water-filtering pitcher of claim 1further comprising a plurality of bias members positioned between thereservoir sleeve and the filter adapter, wherein the bias members aremore compressed when the reservoir sleeve is in the expanded positionand the bias members are less compressed when the reservoir sleeve is inthe retracted position.
 11. The expandable water-filtering pitcher ofclaim 1 further comprising a filter replacement display coupled to thepitcher, the replacement display responsive to a counting deviceoperatively associated with the spout of the pitcher and countingmovement of the spout on the pitcher.
 12. The expandable water-filteringpitcher of claim 11 wherein the counting device is configured to countthe number of pours of liquid from the pitcher and the filterreplacement display is configured to indicate when an approximatedthreshold for expiration of the filter is reached based on anapproximated volume of water poured through the spout.
 13. An expandablewater filtration device comprising: a filter adapter positioned within apitcher and separating the pitcher into an upper region and a lowerregion; a reservoir opening between the lower region and the upperregion formed through the filter adapter; a filter fastener at thereservoir opening, the filter fastener adapted to removably receive awater filter within the reservoir opening; a sleeve movably coupled tothe upper region, the sleeve moveable in relation to the upper regionbetween a retracted position and an expanded position; an upper volumedefined by the available space in the upper region of the pitcher andthe sleeve, the upper volume when the sleeve is in the expanded versionbeing at least 40% larger than the upper volume when the sleeve is inthe retracted position; and a base volume defined by the available spacein the base region of the pitcher when the sleeve is in the retractedposition.
 14. The expandable water filtration device of claim 13 whereinthe lower region further comprises a plurality of first incrementedliquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of the lowerregion.
 15. The expandable water filtration device of claim 14, furthercomprising a second plurality of incremented liquid volume measurementmarkings visible on a wall of the sleeve, the second incremented liquidvolume measurement markings visible on the wall of the sleeveincremented in volume measurements equal to the plurality of firstincremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of thelower region.
 16. The expandable water filtration device of claim 13wherein a top of the sleeve is above the pitcher opening when the sleeveis in the expanded position.
 17. The expandable water filtration deviceof claim 13 wherein the sleeve comprises a flexible bag.
 18. Theexpandable water filtration device of claim 13 wherein the sleevecomprises a pleated collapsible wall.
 19. The expandable waterfiltration device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of biasmembers positioned between the sleeve and the upper region, wherein thebias members are more compressed when the sleeve is in the expandedposition and the bias members are less compressed when the sleeve is inthe retracted position.
 20. An expandable water-filtering pitcher,comprising: a pitcher comprising a closed base end, one or moresidewalls extending from the closed base end towards an open top end,and a spout extending from the open top end toward the base end; anexpandable reservoir removably coupled to the pitcher, the expandablereservoir comprising: a reservoir opening; one or more filter fastenersadjacent the reservoir opening and configured to removably couple awater filter to the expandable reservoir; and a flexible material thatexpands the reservoir into the pitcher when water is held within theexpandable reservoir and retracts as water passes from the expandablereservoir to the pitcher through the reservoir opening.